At Platform Africa, we speak to Ravin Lama and Bhawana Maskey, founders of Mind Initiatives, the brains behind Brand Magic. As the creative minds behind the premier branding event in Mauritius, which unfolds its latest edition on 16th May 2025 at the Intercontinental Resort, Balaclava, we understand from Ravin and Bhawana what this path-breaking platform offers to speakers and attendees alike.
Edited excerpts from an exclusive interview:
Brand Magic 2025 positions itself as an immersive, forward-thinking event at the intersection of AI and branding. Why is this year’s event especially timely and relevant for professionals?
Brand Magic is proudly organised by Mind Initiatives, a training company co-founded by Ravin Lama and Bhawana Maskey. At Mind Initiatives, we’ve always believed in bridging knowledge with real-world application—and Brand Magic has become one of the clearest expressions of that belief. Since founding Brand Magic in 2015, we’ve been focused on creating a space where brand thinking, creativity, and innovation intersect in meaningful ways. Over the years, we’ve watched branding evolve from a marketing discipline into a multi-dimensional driver of value. Now, we’re living through a moment of seismic change—AI isn’t just an emerging tool, it’s transforming how brands operate, communicate, and connect. From automating content to personalising experiences, AI is reshaping branding at every level. in the way brands are built, perceived, and experienced. Artificial Intelligence isn’t just an emerging tool anymore—it’s already transforming how brands operate, communicate, and connect. From automating content and streamlining insights to personalising customer journeys, AI is reshaping branding at every level.
That’s why Brand Magic 2025 is so timely. It offers a much-needed space for brand leaders to pause, reflect, and reimagine. This year’s summit will be about helping participants understand not just the tools, but the mindset needed to navigate the AI-driven future with clarity, creativity, and confidence.
What can attendees expect to gain from this 10th edition?
This 10th edition of Brand Magic is a milestone edition for us. So, we’ve put together a programme that we feel will be more enriching to participants with our signature Brand Magic style. Attendees can expect deeply insightful sessions, a showcase of global expertise, and meaningful connections.
We’ve designed the day so that every participant walks away with some practical AI tools, relevant inspiration, and a better understanding of how AI can align with their brand journey. Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, creative, or decision-maker, the content is tailored to meet you where you are—and move you forward.
You’re not brand specialists yourselves—how do you consistently deliver such high-calibre content?
Our strength lies in curation. We listen closely to what professionals and businesses are grappling with, and then we seek out the best minds globally who can speak to those challenges and opportunities. Our role is to create a platform where the right people meet, learn, and grow. The experts are the stars—we’re just the ones setting the stage.
How has Brand Magic evolved over the past decade, and what makes this year different?
When we started in 2015, the focus was on creating a conversation around branding in Mauritius. Over the years, Brand Magic has grown into a platform with international recognition. We’ve hosted globally respected speakers, published 9 editions of our annual Brand Book, and built strong partnerships with research leaders like Analysis Kantar.
One major change this year is the decision to separate the Top Brands of Mauritius Awards from the main conference. Traditionally part of Brand Magic, the awards will now be held as a standalone event in early June under the banner Brand Magic presents Top Brands. This gives both the conference and the awards the space and focus they deserve, while maintaining the strong connection between them.
But what’s remained constant is our commitment to relevance, depth, and purpose. We’re proud of the trust we’ve built over the years—and that many of our partners and participants have been with us from the beginning.
Tell us about this year’s speakers—who’s joining the conversation in 2025?
We’re excited to welcome an extraordinary lineup of thought leaders who are shaping the future of branding and AI:
- Amnah Ajmal, Thought Leader, Public Speaker, and one of Forbes Middle East’s 100 Most Powerful Business Women, brings her insights into innovation, brand trust, and ethics.
- Dale Imerman from WPP will explore immersive technology and AI-driven collaboration.
- Jupiter Huidrom from Weber Shandwick will speak about managing brand reputation and agility in the digital era.
- Uma Rudd Tan from KVUR will dive into AI-powered creativity and storytelling.
- Richard Norton, creative technologist and co-founder of The Peeps, will lead our hands-on masterclass on combining AI tools to create brand magic.
- Casie Lane Millhouse, founder of Sashiyu, will address hyper-personalised branding and future-forward thinking.
Each brings a unique perspective—and all are connected by a desire to use technology responsibly and creatively.
What are some of the session highlights attendees shouldn’t miss?
We’ve structured the day into four core presentations:
- The fundamental aspects of AI, its creative potential, and its impact on future collaboration.
- The crucial human elements (creativity, ethics) within the context of AI in branding.
- How AI can drive brand strategy for better agility, consistency, and reputation in the digital space.
- The intersection of AI technology and creative vision in the art of branding.
We also have a 90-minute masterclass led by Richard Norton, which offers hands-on exposure to practical AI tools.
And our panel discussion—“AI in Action: How Mauritius Brands Are Harnessing AI for Competitive Advantage”—brings local voices into the spotlight to explore what’s happening on the ground.
Who is Brand Magic 2025 designed for?
It’s for brand thinkers and doers—marketers, founders, creatives, business leaders, and innovators. You don’t need to be a tech expert. You just need to be passionate about brands and curious about how AI is changing the rules—and how your brand can lead rather than follow.
This is a space for people who believe in thoughtful branding. And in a world, that’s moving faster than ever, we need more thoughtful voices.
Brand Magic has clearly grown into a strong platform. Any words of appreciation for those who’ve supported this journey?
Absolutely. We wouldn’t be here without the unwavering support of our community and partners. A special word of thanks goes to FCB Cread, who has stood by us since day one and has been a creative and strategic pillar throughout our 10-year journey.
We are deeply grateful to all our partners, sponsors, and participants—some of whom have been with us from the very beginning. Their belief in the vision of Brand Magic has been instrumental in building what it is today: a platform that is proudly rooted in Mauritius but resonant far beyond.
How does Brand Magic contribute to Mauritius’s position as a business and innovation hub?
Brand Magic showcases the kind of thought leadership and creative ambition that exists here. We bring the world to Mauritius—and we also showcase Mauritian excellence to the world. We want Mauritius to be seen not just as a destination, but as a player in global conversations around branding, technology, and innovation.
And finally—what’s next for Brand Magic?
We’re committed to staying bold, relevant, and rooted in purpose. We’re looking at expanding digital access, strengthening year-round engagement, and possibly exploring regional editions in the future.
But no matter how we grow, our core will stay the same: to be a platform where the future of branding is imagined—together.
